Flexible hollow objects in a flexible hollow container

ABSTRACT

The present invention generally relates to shock absorbing systems. These can be employed in such diverse objects as footwear apparel, mattresses, chair pillows, and seat covers. The present invention revolutionizes the field of shock absorbing systems. It utilizes a mass of flexible objects, such as air-filled balls, within a flexible container. The present invention utilizes a more comfortable mix than the mix of rubber and plastic sold in commercial footwear. The present invention utilizes layering and lubrication to increase flexibility and comfort.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/026,129, filed on May 17, 2020, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/030,269, filed on May 26, 2020.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

The present invention generally relates to shock absorbing systems. These can be employed in such diverse objects as footwear apparel, mattresses, chair pillows, and seat covers.

2. Description of Related Art

There are numerous non-dynamic shock absorbing system. Most of these employ a kind of natural rubber, synthetic foam, or some flexible structure, such as honeycomb (or other pattern) structured gel pillows.

Unfortunately, foam or gel materials get ‘tired’ after a while because of the repeated usage presses. As a result, they gradually become more flat and lose their absorbing effectiveness and ability over time. This can happen over a few days or several months, but it is unavoidable. For footwear, this happens faster due to the sustained hammering on the insole by the foot.

There are numerous attempt within the prior art to address these issues.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,254,906 discloses an improvement in foot cushioning constructs and shock absorbing systems for a constructed article of footwear to be worn by a person. The invention employs a deformable and re-formable elastic stretchsole joined as a planar sheet to the perimeter edge of the shoe upper and forms an elastic end closure for the shoe upper

U.S. Pat. No. 7,401,420 discloses a sole component and a method of manufacturing the sole component are disclosed. In general, the sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing structure extending around the bladder.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,119,440 discloses an invention that relates to an insole, and to an article of footwear provided with such an insole, with application to the design of shoes wherein an improvement in comfort is sought. The insole includes a principal portion 1 designed to accommodate the pressure of a user's foot, comprising at least one deformable cavity 2, 5 filled with a compressible, fluid-permeable material 3, 6 and provided on the one hand with at least one inlet E1, E2 for fluid intake and on the other hand with at least one outlet S1, S2, S3 for exhausting the fluid.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,486,034 discloses a shoe has an insole having a heel in a customary supportive hard rubber-like material about 3 inches thick. The same rubber-like material surrounds the entire sole with a change in thickness beginning at the arch, where it slopes down, leveling out at a thickness of about 11/4 inches. This change in thickness creates a frontal recess, leaving a bead of rubber at the outer edge.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,098,412 discloses an article of footwear has an upper, an outsole attached to the upper, and a midsole. The outsole includes a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface disposed on opposite sides. The midsole has a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on opposite sides. The bottom surface opposes the inner surface to define a cavity therebetween.

US Patent App. Publ. No. 2019/0126580 discloses a sole component molded with different portions molded from different bead foams where there is a gradual transition between the different bead foams, as well as a method and apparatus for manufacturing the same. The molding system includes a mold cavity that is partially divided into at least two adjacent mold regions by at least one blade.

US Patent App. Publ. No. 2019/0366668 discloses a conforming cushion pod contains a plurality of independent and discrete foamed beads. The filling of the cushion pod includes a system comprised of a bead source, a weighing station, a metering station, and a filling station.

Footwear incorporating the prior art is sold by NIKE and PUMA. However, these utilize shock absorbing beads that are an uncomfortable mix of rubber and plastic. Further, the containers which contain the shock absorbing system are inflexible and lead to cracking. In addition, the beads that they contain are not hollow and lack lubrication.

The prior art does not disclose the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A shock absorbing system comprising at least one layer of hollow materials filled in a hollow container.

The shock absorbing system of [0014] wherein the hollow materials comprise cylindrical rings.

The shock absorbing system of [0014] wherein the hollow materials comprise hollow balls.

The shock absorbing system of [0014] wherein the hollow materials comprise a mixture of cylindrical rings and hollow balls.

The shock absorbing system of [0014] wherein there are two layers of hollow materials filled in a hollow container.

The shock absorbing system of [0018] wherein the hollow materials comprise cylindrical rings.

The shock absorbing system of [0018] wherein the hollow materials comprise hollow balls.

The shock absorbing system of [0018] wherein the hollow materials comprise a mixture of cylindrical rings and hollow balls.

The shock absorbing system of [0014] wherein the system is used in a shoe.

The shock absorbing system of [0014] wherein the system is used in a mattress.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts seven representative hollow materials according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts the respective size, flexibility, and compressibility of the flexible hollow objects according to the present invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict the various flexible hollow objects within flexible hollow containers according to the present invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict the compressibility of the various flexible hollow objects within flexible hollow containers according to the present invention.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D depict the various flexible hollow objects within flexible hollow containers according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts the use of partial segmentary walls within the flexible hollow containers according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts the compressibility of the various flexible hollow objects within flexible hollow containers according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts the use of the present invention in footwear.

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict the use of the present invention in footwear.

FIG. 10 depicts the use of the present invention in mattresses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention solves a number of problems of the prior art.

The present invention revolutionizes the field of shock absorbing systems. It utilizes a mass of flexible objects, such as air-filled balls, within a flexible container.

The present invention utilizes a more comfortable mix than the mix of rubber and plastic sold in commercial footwear. The present invention utilizes layering and lubrication to increase flexibility and comfort.

The present invention incorporates both hollow objects in a flexible hollow contained. The present invention has the surprising enhanced attributes of flexibility in terms of material, shape, thickness, and air.

The present invention is also dynamic as the materials shift around during use.

The present invention incorporates a level of randomness as the materials shift around during use.

Function

The shock absorbing system functions as follows: when the resilient container is compressed, it defoi ins where the pressure occurs, The flexible objects within the hollow container also are deformed, but push against each other and the internal walls of the hollow container. These act to gently resist the compression so that when the compression is lifted, both the flexible objects and the hollow container return to their original shape.

Advantages

The present invention has numerous major advantages compared to other shock absorbing systems. These include safety, increased durability (as compared to shock absorbents made of foam or gel-structures), it quickly returns to the original form (unlike memory foam which is slow), a high energy return (important for running shoes, work boots, floor mats, and the like), and retains functionality after it is damaging (it can still function after being pierced or cut).

Applications

The present invention can be used anywhere where soft and or more gentle shock absorption is needed. Specifically, it can be employed where anything presses against a human body.

Non-limiting applications of this include pillows (including, chair pillows, seat pillows), chair cushions (public chairs, benches, and outdoor chairs); car or other vehicle seat covers and back covers, car interiors (having a safe protecting layer in case of accident), buses, delivery vehicles and trucks, ships, airplanes, airport luggage delivery, footwear insoles, bicycle and motorcycle seats, safety equipment (knee pads, helmets, and the like); furniture (sofas, love seats, couches, bed mattresses, bunk beds); insulation to prevent falls in buildings buildings (staircases (sides and bottom), and rooms where people can slip and fall) kindergartens, gyms, ball rooms; padding around water pools (where children taking bath or swim) or water parks, amusement parks, yoga mats; floor covers (in); padding in specialized baggage (luggage, guitar bag, laptop bags, musical instruments bags, delivering sensitive products like electronics, computers, monitors, or breakable products like light bulbs or mirrors or other glass products), and the like.

It could be used for different machines, where machines (or their parts) could press or hit other machines. These include working machines, forklift, zoom-boom, construction machines and vehicles, factory machines, and the like.

Material

The materials according to the present invention can made of any flexible, elastic, or stretchy fabric or material. Non-limiting examples include natural or synthetic elastomers, such as rubber, latex, gel, silicone, sorbothane, polyurethane, polymer, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloroprene rubber, polychloroprene, neoprene, Baypren, plasticized PVC, Butyl rubber, Styrene-butadiene Rubber, and the like.

Lubrication

For better function, the hollow objects can be lubricated with a lubricated liquid. In a preferred embodiment, the lubricating liquid is chemically inert to the materials of the balls and does not destroy or degrade them.

Non-limiting examples of lubricants included any viscous liquids, lubricating greases, and gelling agents. These include silicone-based lubes or silicone oils (i.e., simeticone), or natural-based lubricants such as zokerite, xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose, ethylhexyl palmitate, and sorbitol. Other examples include White Petrolatum (i.e., petroleum jelly), glycerin, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carbomer 934P, carbomer 940, carbomer 941, carboxymethylcellulose, Polyacrylate, sodium hydroxide, chlorhexidine gluconate, polyquaternium 15, and molybdenum disulfide.

Non-Limiting Examples

Reference is made to FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 shows various representative flexible and hollow materials according to the present invention. These include cylindrical rings (Items #2A, #2B, #2C, #2D, and #4), gas-filled balls (or miniature balloons) (Items #3A and #3B), a walnut or pillow shaped material (Item #5), cuboidal (Item#6), and tablet-shaped (Item#7).

Reference is made to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 depicts the respective size, flexibility, and compressibility of the flexible hollow objects according to the present invention. In particular, it shows a human hand compressing a cylindrical ring (Item #2C) and a gas-filled ball (Item #3A)

Use in hollow containers

Reference is made to FIGS. 3A and 3B, which depict the various flexible hollow objects within flexible hollow containers according to the present invention.

In particular, FIG. 3A depicts cylindrical rings of two different sizes (Items #2B and #2C) in a long rectangular hollow container (Item #1) in a cross-sectional view. FIG. 3B depicts hollow balls (Item #3A) in a long rectangular hollow container (#1) in a cross-sectional view.

The shape and size of the hollow container depends on its ultimate use and application. For example, a rectangular hollow container would be applicable for a a seat pillow. A square hollow container would be applicable for an anti-fatigue kitchen mat. A hollow container in the shape of an insole would be applicable for a footwear.

The resistance power or hardness is dependent on the wall thickness of the hollow objects as well as the hollow containers.

Dynamic System

The present invention is a dynamic system. Unlike foams or fixed shock absorbing structure, many internal parts randomly turn, move, and change positions when external compression is applied. When the pressure is lifted, the hollow materials return, but are shifted. Therefore, the next application of external pressure will be applied to a different internal arrangement of the hollow materials. This prolongs their use and prevents wear and tear.

Reference is made to FIGS. 4A and 4B. These depict the compressibility of the various flexible hollow objects within flexible hollow containers according to the present invention. In FIG. 4A, cylindrical rings of various sizes (Items #2B and #2C) are compressed and shifted in random ways, as depicted by the directional arrows. In FIG. 4B, the balls of varying sizes (Items #3A and #3B) are compressed and shifted in random ways, as depicted by the directional arrows.

Variations

The shock absorbing system of the present invention can employ variations of both the hollow containers and hollow objects.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show the basic form of this shock absorbing system as one undivided container in a single layer. However, more variations are presented.

Reference is made to FIG. 5A. This figure depicts a vertical layering of the hollow containers employed in the invention, as viewed from a side cross-section. Both the top layer and the bottom layer are filled with cylindrical rings of various sizes (Items #2B and #2C).

Reference is made to FIG. 5B. This figure depicts a vertical layering of the hollow containers employed in the invention, as viewed from a side cross-section. The top layer contains the smaller balls (Item #3A) as fill while the bottom layer are filled with larger hollow balls (Item #3B),

Reference is made to FIG. 5C, This figure depicst a vertical layering of the hollow containers employed in the invention, as viewed from a side cross-section, The top layer is filled with cylinders of various sizes (Items #2B and #2C) while the bottom layer is filled with hollow balls (Item #3B).

Reference is made to FIG. 5D. This figure depicts a vertical layering of the hollow containers employed in the invention, as viewed from a side cross-section. The top layer is filled with tube pieces (Item #4) while the bottom layer is filled with cylindrical rings of various sizes (Items #2B and #2C).

Reference is made to FIG. 6. This depicts another variation—the half-closed chambers. Partial stopper walls (#8) rise from the bottom of hollow container which impedes the movement of the cylinders of various sizes (Items #2B and #2C) along the bottom of the hollow container, but not the top. This allows the fill to move between the various half-chambers (sections) of the hollow container as depicted in the directional arrows.

These variations could give even more perspectives in concerning certain demands, depends on the possible need of certain people and products, all depends on the need of the user(s) of that certain product, or possible demands of that protected personal equipment or tool or machine or object.

It has numerous (undetermined number and undetermined size) resilient cylinders, could be the same or different sizes. It is crucial that each one of them could be pressed together and when released the cylinders (and the container's wall) will bounce back to its shape immediately.

Reference is made to FIG. 7. This depicts the present invention as a shock absorber for a footwear. In particular, a double-layer of cylinders is used to enhance the shock absorbance and the user's foot presses the layers and the cylinders together to flat at the center. As depicted, the top layer of fill is comprised of cylinders of various sizes (Items #2B and #2C).

In a preferred embodiment, the use of layers increases the ability of more gradual and deeper shock absorbing and a higher comfort level with softer feeling.

In a preferred embodiment, the use of chambers (or sections) within a certain layer results more local firmness of certain area within the product or equipment.

In a preferred embodiment, the use of half-closed chambers (stopper walls on the bottom) work well in insoles, chair pillows, and seat covers.

In a preferred embodiment, utilizing different fill of various sizes and shapes helps to the prolong the life of this invention. This is because it adds extra randomness to the motion of the fill during compression and release.

Potential variations include a multiplicity of layers and sections within the layers. It is envisioned that a third or fourth layer employing different kinds hollow materials would add more shock absorbance.

Reference is made to FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B. These depict a sole (the container as a ‘pool’) with a large number of cylinders. FIG. 8 depicts a single large container of a pool of fill comprising cylinders of various sizes (Items #2B and #2C). Item #1 is present in the form of the border of the hollow container. Item #9 depicts the border of the shoe.

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict a single large container of a pool of fill comprising cylinders of various sizes (Items #2B and #2C) in the bottom layer of the shoe. It also depicts a top layer comprised of a three-section pool (Item #11) which contain tube pieces (Item #12). Item #13, as depicted in FIG. 9B, is a covering for the top layer of the shoe's cushioning.

As used herein, Item #12 can be used with the following dimensions: Outside diameter of ⅜ inch, inside diameter of ¼ inch, and a wall thickness of 1/16 inch. This is enough cushion for a person of regular weight (i.e., approximately 150-160 pounds).

For children shoes, Item #12 can be utilized with the following dimensions: ¼ inch, inside diameter of 3/16 inch, and a wall thickness of 1/32 inch.

In a preferred embodiment, there should be some air space between the fill. The more space, the more the compression and less firm resistance.

It is envisioned that the sole could be an insole or mid-sole or even built in the outsole (with a harder protective layer at the very bottom).

Application in Mattresses

Reference is made to FIG. 10. This depicts a small mattress with double layers and several chambers of the shock absorbing system according to the present invention.

In particular #14 is the upper layer of the mattress. #15 is the lower layer of the mattress. #16 is the first chamber of the upper layer. #17 is the second chamber of the upper layer. #18 is the third chamber of the upper layer, and #19 is the fourth chamber of the upper layer.

It is further envisioned that the mattress could employ a third or fourth layer, each with different numbers and positions of chambers, each with different sizes of cylinders (or balls) and made of different materials of different flexibility.

The use of the present invention in mattresses helps alleviate sagging that mattresses experience over time.

The foregoing description comprises illustrative embodiments of the present invention.

As will be appreciated, the foregoing objects and examples are exemplary and embodiments need not meet all or any of the foregoing objects, and need not include all or any of the exemplary features described herein. Additional aspects and embodiments within the scope of the claims will be devised by those having skill in the art based on the teachings set forth herein.

While the invention has been described in connection with what are considered to be exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

I claim:
 1. A shock absorbing system comprising at least one layer of hollow materials filled in a hollow container.
 2. The shock absorbing system of claim 1 wherein the hollow materials comprise cylindrical rings.
 3. The shock absorbing system of claim 1 wherein the hollow materials comprise hollow balls.
 4. The shock absorbing system of claim 1 wherein the hollow materials comprise a mixture of cylindrical rings and hollow balls.
 5. The shock absorbing system of claim 1 wherein there are two layers of hollow materials filled in a hollow container.
 6. The shock absorbing system of claim 5 wherein the hollow materials comprise cylindrical rings.
 7. The shock absorbing system of claim 5 wherein the hollow materials comprise hollow balls.
 8. The shock absorbing system of claim 5 wherein the hollow materials comprise a mixture of cylindrical rings and hollow balls.
 9. The shock absorbing system of claim 1 wherein the system is used in a shoe.
 10. The shock absorbing system of claim 1 wherein the system is used in a mattress.
 11. The shock absorbing system of claim 1 wherein the system is used in a chair pillow.
 12. The shock absorbing system of claim 1 wherein the system is used in a seat cover.
 13. A shock absorbing system of enhanced durability, comprising at least one layer of hollow materials filled in a hollow container. 